The returns are in. And unfortunately for two young New York Knicks, rookie forward Kevin Knox and second-year guard Frank Ntilikina, the reviews of their play are not all that positive.

At least that's what a group of scouts and NBA personnel told the New York Post's Marc Berman.

"If the Knicks' last two lottery picks were stocks, they'd be plummeting."

That was the lede in a story published Thursday by Berman, and given the scouts and other NBA personnel he spoke with, it's not exactly an unfair characterization of what is in front of two players the Knicks have invested a good deal of effort in bringing along.

Although some basketball faithful are still abiding by the "Trust the Process" mantra, others are not pulling any punches when it comes to the play they've seen from Knox (19 years old) and Ntilikina (20).

"I don't like how [Knox is] playing,'' an Atlantic Division scout said. "He's lazy on defense a bit. He's looking for his shot right away. He's also got to wake up a little. There's loose balls he can get to.

"I like when he puts the ball on the ground," the scout added. "He's a big boy, but he's capable of getting closer to the basket [rather] than launching three-pointers."

An unnamed assistant coach told Berman that Knox has focused too heavily on looking for his own shot in lieu of creating potential opportunities for his teammates.

"Sometimes he looks like he doesn't want to play," the assistant said. "The evaluations coming out of Kentucky were not all good -- that he didn't have a motor and plays too soft. It's not easy to teach that now."

Many may consider Knox to be a more sound prospect given the physical attributes (6-foot-9, 215 pounds) he possesses, but after some flashes of success in Las Vegas at the NBA Summer League in July he has proven to be a bit overmatched against true NBA-caliber competition (32.5 percent shooting from the field in 16 games this season).

For Ntilikina, the focus may just be on getting a notch in the scoresheet the next time the Knicks take the floor. The 20-year-old guard has gone scoreless over the last two games for the Knicks, missing all eight of his field goals in the team's losses to Detroit and Philadelphia.

Emmanuel Mudiay took over the starting role from Ntilikina a few weeks ago, which has forced the youngster to the bench as he begins to work his way out of the doldrums of a second-year swoon. Ntilikina hasn't reached double figures in 11 straight games, a stretch that includes four scoreless outings.

"They gave him enough chances,'' the Atlantic Division scout said. "The kid is very unaggressive and soft -- no instincts to play point guard. He can make the pocket pass if it's there, but sometimes it's stolen. He's playing horribly right now. I actually feel bad for the kid.

"He looks like he has the potential to be a good backup, but never a starter on a good team."

Ntilikina struck back at his critics, saying he does add offensive value.

"[I make] the easy play, getting teammates involved,'' he told the Post. "It's not always about scoring. I'm going to do what I do to bring the most to the team. If I'm not scoring, I'll try to do something else."

Ntilikina said that he is focused on taking the next steps in his growth and development as an NBA player, which means focusing on what he needs to do off the court to guarantee that he'll "be aggressive and stay confident" when he does get playing time.

"I know what I can be a couple of years from now," he added.

Sure, the defensive end is where many would think the 6-foot-6 French-bred guard has the most potential to have an impact, but the Atlantic scout said he believes that Ntilikina's "confidence is shot on offense".

"His passes aren't doing anything," the scout added. "He's a better-than-average defender. He can be disruptive with length, but he's slow to react."

Tim Shea, a former European scout with the Knicks and Hornets who now works as an NBA consultant, said it's too early to judge Ntilikina without giving him credit for doing some subtler things on the court.

"Ultimately [he] wants to make the right play,'' Shea said. "The value of having someone like that on your NBA roster is immeasurable on the positive side of the team ledger. It's contagious to the rest. Patience is the key with him.''

Knicks head coach David Fizdale has tried to focus on what he calls the "baby steps of player development".

When the conversation on the hardwood turns to the topic of youth, it's clear the New York Knicks have it in spades. However, some are still witholding judgment until there is a greater body of work for the young Knickerbocks.

Both Ntilikina and Knox will have a change to start bucking the trend when the Knicks tip off against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday at 5 p.m.

Derek Fisher says Porzingis/Knicks split was best for both parties

Former Knicks coach believes Dallas is a great situation for Porzingis

By Ian Begley | May 24 | 7:18PM

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New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher talks to New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. (Brad Penner/USA Today Sports Images)

Ex-Knicks coach Derek Fisher, who had a strong relationship with Kristaps Porzingis during their time together in New York, believes Porzingis will thrive with the Dallas Mavericks.

"I think Kristaps has been able to move on. I think he's going to be happy in Dallas. He works for a passionate owner in Mark Cuban. Rick Carlisle is an amazing basketball coach. And they have kind of a culture there that's been established for a while… so I think Kris will be fine," Fisher, the current coach of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, said in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

"I think the Knicks, even though the wins aren't coming, they're starting to lay the foundation and the groundwork for becoming successful again. And that's what we were trying to do during my time there. It doesn't always work out. You can second-guess it after the fact. But in some situations it's best for parties to move and separate and I think for Kristaps and for the Knicks it probably was best."

Irving will test free agency this summer after the Celtics lost in the second round of the playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Scouts explain why Knicks' Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett could work well together

Barrett's want to head to the bucket, Knox' spot-up shooting complement each other

By Ian Begley | May 23 | 10:00AM

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This Knicks offseason can go in many different directions.

New York has more than $70 million in cap space and motivation to land star players. There is cautious optimism about landing Kevin Durant in free agency. For argument's sake, let's say the Knicks sign Durant, another max player like Kyrie Irving, and don't trade for a star player like Anthony Davis.

In that scenario, young players like Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett -- New York's presumptive pick at No. 3 -- would be vital parts of the club's future...

NBA officially moves up negotiating period for free agency

Deals for Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving could now be made sooner

May 24 | 12:20PM

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May 6, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets in game four of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports (Troy Taormina)

The NBA free agency period will begin even earlier this summer.

The league officially announced on Friday that it has reached an agreement with the NBA Players' Association to move the free agent negotiation period up six hours to 6 p.m. ET June 30 from the previous start time of 12:01 a.m. ET July 1.

The change also means, by league rules, that teams will be allowed to communicate with free agents or their representatives beginning at 6 p.m. ET on June 29 solely to schedule meetings at or after 6 p.m. on June 30.

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Kemba Walker earns All-NBA nod, making it more difficult for Knicks to sign him

Walker would leave at least $80 million on the table if he leaves Charlotte

May 23 | 9:50PM

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Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker reacts in the third quarter after a 3-pointer against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. (Catalina Fragoso/USA TODAY Sports)

If the Knicks had any plans to make a run at Kemba Walker this offseason, the road just got bumpier.

On Thursday afternoon, the NBA announced its All-NBA teams, and the Charlotte guard earned third-team honors, along with Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Blake Griffin and Rudy Gobert.

Walker's All-NBA nod now means that Charlotte can offer him the super max, a five-year, $221 million dollar contract. If Walker elects to leave the Hornets in free agency, the largest contract he can sign with another team is a four-year, $141 million deal.

The Knicks have two max slots, and the whispers of KD to NYC have gotten louder

Jan 28, 2019; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts by pounding on his chest after making a play against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports (Brian Spurlock)

Warriors star Kevin Durant can be a free agent after the season, and the idea that he could team up with fellow free agent Kyrie Irving on the Knicks this summer has picked up steam since the Kristaps Porzingis trade cleared two max slots for New York. Here are the latest rumors...

May 23, 2:34 PM

Durant is unlikely to return for the beginning of the NBA Finals, but the Warriors hope to have him back before the Finals end, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic.

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Kristaps Porzingis gave Knicks an ultimatum if not traded, says Steve Mills

"I'll give you seven days to try and trade me or I'm going back to Europe"

Reports of superstar forward Kristaps Porzingis giving the Knicks an ultimatum were confirmed by team president Steve Mills on Wednesday.

Mills and GM Scott Perry were on hand for a fan forum series on Wednesday afternoon, and Mills acknowledged that Porzingis gave the Knicks an ultimatum as he announced he wanted to be traded, confirming earlier reports in the days after the trade.

"When he walked into our office -- my office and Scott was sitting there with me -- and point blank said to us, 'I don't want to be here, I'm not going to re-sign with the Knicks, and I'll give you seven days to try and trade me or I'm going back to Europe,'" Mills explained...

WATCH: Ja Morant's NBA focus on being 'best Ja I can be'

Murray State product isn't modeling his game off of anyone else

May 22 | 8:15PM

NBA draft prospect Ja Morant is an elite talent in the 2019 NBA Draft. Ja spoke with SNY's Ian Begley about how he wants to impact the NBA.

With the 2019 NBA Draft less than a month away, elite prospect Ja Morant isn't looking to follow in anyone else's footsteps.

Speaking to SNY Insider Ian Begley, Morant said that there aren't any players whose game he models his own after.

"There's a lot of players I watch, mainly point guards, and obviously there are different players that they compare me too, but I just try to be Ja and there's only one Ja," Morant said. "At the end of the day, I can't be the best somebody else because I'm me, so my focus is on just being the best Ja I can be."

During his final season at Murray State, Morant averaged 24.5 points and 10 assists per game.

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Scenarios where Knicks can trade for Anthony Davis, including one where they add 2 max free agents

It's fair to assume at this point that Davis remains committed to leaving the Pelicans

Steve Nash, the 18-year-old guard's godfather, believes that Barrett has more than just the skills to succeed with the Knicks, but also the perfect personality to thrive under the spotlight in New York.

"I think he'll be an exciting player for Knicks fans. He's able to handle that type of stuff (of being in New York) because he's been at Duke but he's also been one of the top, if not the No. 1 kid, since he's been 13, 14 years old. So he's able to handle it," Nash told Stefan Bondy of the Daily News on Tuesday. "And then to have Zion sort of eclipse him in the draft and in the public view this season, and then to watch the way he's handled it and the way he's been - he's never pointed a finger, he never made an excuse."

It seems like any significant trade talks for Anthony Davis are on hold for now.

Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin plans to visit with Davis in Los Angeles in the coming weeks to talk to him about remaining with the franchise.

Speaking on a conference call to introduce new general manager Trajan Langdon on Tuesday, Griffin reiterated that he's optimistic Davis will want to stay in New Orleans.

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Knicks' Mitchell Robinson named to NBA's All-Rookie second team

Big man set franchise rookie records for total blocks in 2018-19

By Ian Begley | May 21 | 2:18PM

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New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson dunks against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Madison Square Garden. (Noah K. Murray/USA TODAY Sports)

Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson has been named to the NBA's second All Rookie team.

Robinson's 2.4 blocks per game were the most for a rookie who played at least 35 games since Tim Duncan blocked 2.5 shots per game in 1997-98. He reached that per-game block number while playing 20.6 minutes per night.

The 21-year-old set franchise rookie records for total blocks (161) and blocks per game. He blocked at least two shots in 29 straight games - longest streak for a Knicks rookie and second longest in NBA history for a rookie behind Manute Bol's 45 straight games. Robinson is the 21st Knick to be named to an All-Rookie team.

Knicks target Kevin Durant takes shot at Chris Broussard on Twitter

Broussard suggested KD's rings would be diminished if Warriors win title without him

May 20 | 3:39PM

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May 6, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets in game four of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports (Troy Taormina)

Kevin Durant is growing tired of the narrative surrounding him.

The Warriors forward has been sidelined with a calf strain but Golden State has still managed to jump out to a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers without him.

Their success has reignited the theme that Durant rode the Warriors' coattails to two NBA Finals championships, despite being the MVP in both those Finals victories

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RJ Barrett's high school coach explains why he could be 'the best guy in the draft'

'I don't think, by any means, it's automatic that Zion will be a better pro than RJ'

May 20 | 8:44AM

Kevin Boyle coached Kyrie Irving at Saint Patrick High School in Elizabeth, N.J. He hasn't talked to Irving about his pending free agency but he believes he'll sign with the Knicks this summer.

"I think there's a good chance in my opinion that Kyrie ends up there," Boyle said in an interview with SNY.tv's Ian Begley, stressing that he was speaking as a fan and not as someone who had inside information on Irving's plans. "…. In my gut, I would think that would work best for him and I would think that (the Knicks) have a really strong chance of that happening. But I have not spoken directly to him and I don't know that to be a fact."

If Irving signs with the Knicks, Boyle -- who also coached RJ Barrett -- thinks Barrett can fit in well with the All Star point guard.

With the NBA draft lottery in the rearview mirror for Knicks fans, there's little for the anxious masses to look forward to until the draft in late June. This period is sure to be filled with trade machine playing, cap number crunching and rumor mill surfing.

In the meantime, there's plenty for New York faithful to tune into in the playoffs. Besides the terrific basketball, many key players still battling it out in the conference finals could don the blue and orange come next season. Here are the impending free agents to watch as this postseason winds down.

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How Knicks feel about 7-foot-7 Tacko Fall after NBA Draft Combine

Fall to work out with Knicks

May 19 | 8:43PM

Tacko Fall, the 7-foot-7 UCF product who was introduced to most of the nation during the Knights' game against Duke in the NCAA Tournament, had a strong showing at the NBA Combine in Chicago. And he now might be of interest to the Knicks.

Fall had been scheduled to work out with the Knicks on Monday, but that workout has been rescheduled due to a travel issue, according to SNY's Ian Begley. The New York Post first reported that Fall is on the Knicks' "radar" as a possible second-round pick in the NBA Draft. The Knicks, who hold the No. 3 overall selection, own the No. 55 pick, the sixth-to-last pick in the draft.

Fall's 7-foot-7 measurement in shoes, 8-foot-2 1/4 wingspan and 10-foot-2 1/2 standing reach all set combine records. By all accounts, Fall performed well in combine scrimmages. And Fall wasn't originally invited to the combine, only earning an invite after impressing in the G League Elite Camp.

One former member of the Knicks' front office and coaching staff thinks the Knicks would be making a mistake if they didn't select RJ Barrett at No. 3 in the NBA Draft -- assuming he's on the board.

"They better pick him if he's there,'' Brendan Suhr, the Knicks' director of player personnel and assistant coach from 2004-07, told the New York Post. "RJ has potential to be as good a scoring guard as we've had come into the league in the last 10 years. He's very versatile, with a mentality to score. He's dominated every level, dominated at the FIBA [International Basketball Federation] level. And he's got great size. He's a winner, comes from great basketball and athletic family. You're getting a great kid. He's the strongest candidate for that pick.''

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What restricted free agent Terry Rozier said about possibly playing for Knicks

If the Knicks are unable to sign Kyrie Irving and need to move to a contingency plan, perhaps they should look at restricted free agent TerryRozier.

The 25-year-old point guard, who has emerged as a key figure on the Celtics over the last two seasons, has shown he is capable of being a starting point guard in the league when filling in for an injured Irving.

While the Knicks have not yet been heavily linked to Rozier, he was still asked about envisioning playing in New York during an apperance on "Jalen and Jacoby" earlier this week.

Durant saw a future NBA guard in Barrett's high school tape

May 18 | 10:19AM

Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant smiles during warm ups before game five of the first round of the 2019 NBA playoffs against the LA Clippers at Oracle Arena. (Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports)

Perhaps winning the third pick in the NBA Draft could actually help the Knicks' chances of signing free agent Kevin Durant.

A video produced by the sports network Overtime from at least a year ago recently resurfaced via the TheKnickofTime podcast that showed the Warriors forward watching tape of top high school prospects and singing praises for guard RJ Barrett, whom the Knicks are expected to take with the third pick in the draft on June 20.

"Kid I've been hearing a lot about," Durant said. "I haven't gotten a chance to watch him as much. I know he's a lefty out of Canada, I think. He's another one of those 6-7 wings who probably do everything, that can guard one through four that can play a long time in the NBA, especially in the NBA today."

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Knicks president Steve Mills on No. 3 pick: 'We're excited about where we are'

New York has options to work with at No. 3 in the 2019 NBA Draft

May 17 | 7:07PM

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson, left, and general manager Steve Mills answer questions during a news conference at the team's training facility, Friday, July 8, 2016, in Greenburgh, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) (Julie Jacobson/AP)

NBA Draft season is upon us, and the Knicks were awarded the No. 3 overall pick following the NBA Draft Lottery. As June 20 approaches to them being on the clock, here is the latest about the top prospects in this year's Draft class as it pertains to the Knicks...

May 17, 5:09 PM:

Knicks team president Steve Mills spoke for the first time since his team was awarded the No. 3 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and he says he's excited about the opportunity despite not getting the top selection.

"We're excited about where we are," Mills told The Post's Marc Berman. "We know we'll get a good player at 3. So it's something we're excited about and look forward to."

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Are the Pelicans down on Knicks' Kevin Knox?

Knox could serve as one of the Knicks' trade chips to land Anthony Davis

After the Knicks failed to land the number one pick in Tuesday night's NBA Draft Lottery, the attention quickly shifted back to whether or not the team could swing a trade for New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis.

Earlier this week, SNY Insider Ian Begley reported that the Pelicans had been "quietly gathering some intel on Knox recently," and while information gathering isn't anything new or out of the ordinary within league circles, it could have signaled that the Pelicans would want Knox included as part of any trade package.

Pelicans star Anthony Davis has requested a trade, informing the team he has no interest in re-signing. With news of Davis wanting out came reports that the Knicks have strong interest in trading for him. Here are the latest rumors...

May 17 | 12:43AM

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Reddish, Morant prep for draft00:00:49

Some of the top NBA Draft prospects are in Chicago ahead of the NBA Draft. Morant and Reddish talked to the media today.

As the NBA Combine kicked off in Chicago, some of the top prospects in this year's draft class were on hand to tackle the national media for the first time. And, as one would expect, there were large crowds surrounding Ja Morant and Cam Reddish.

Morant is the top point guard in the Draft, and reports have stated that the Grizzlies will take him with the No. 2 overall pick come June 20. As for Reddish, he could go anywhere from No. 3 to the Knicks to No. 6 in the Suns depending on how high he ranks on teams' draft boards.

But both players believe they are ready to make a major impact on whatever franchise calls their name on Draft night...

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Where Knicks target RJ Barrett reportedly prefers to go in NBA Draft

Duke standout likely will be available for Knicks at No. 3

May 16 | 10:42PM

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Mar 31, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward RJ Barrett (5) races after a basket during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the championship game of the east regional of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports (Amber Searls)

It appears the Grizzlies want Murray State's Ja Morant at No. 2 overall in the NBA Draft, and that suits RJ Barrett just fine.

Vegas Likes Knicks' chances of winning 2019-20 NBA Title

The shadow of Kevin Durant is hanging over these odds

By Danny Abriano | May 16 | 2:46PM

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Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; The NBA championship trophy and rings are seen during the ring ceremony and banner raising ceremony before a game against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports (Rick Osentoski)

The growing optimism that the Knicks will land Kevin Durant and a second max free agent this summer is being reflected in their odds to win the NBA Title next season.

In the most recent odds released by Caesars, the Knicks (+1200) are tied with the Clippers and Rockets for the third-best odds of any NBA team.

The only teams ahead of the Knicks are the Warriors (+200) and Bucks (+400).

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Knicks Draft target RJ Barrett on what he needs to improve in NBA, playing with Duke, more

Barrett projected to be No. 3 pick

May 16 | 12:08PM

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Duke Blue Devils forward RJ Barrett speaks in a press conference during practice for the East Regional of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. (Peter Casey/USA TODAY Sports)

Former Duke forward RJ Barrett is projected to be the No. 3 pick in next month's NBA draft to the Knicks.

Asked what he feels he needs to do to improve at the next level, he kept it simple:

"Everything," Barrett told The Athletic's Shams Charania. "No one is perfect in one area of the game, so just continue to work on everything and be a complete player."

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Here's why it doesn't seem Zion Williamson will look to be dealt by Pelicans

Duke's RJ Barrett will reportedly be there for the Knicks at No. 3 on draft night.

ESPN reported on Wednesday that the Grizzlies, barring something unforeseen, "appear to have locked in" on selecting Murray State's Ja Morant with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The report states that Memphis has begun informing other parties of its decision.

If Memphis takes Morant at No. 2, that would leave Barrett available for the Knicks at No. 3.

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Former Knick Isiah Thomas on offseason: 'They're positioned to have a great summer'

Hall of Fame guard and former Knicks president Isiah Thomas believes New York has a chance to turn things around quickly this summer.

"They're positioned well for free agency because they have cap space and they can go out and pitch themselves," Thomas said at an event to announce a partnership between his Cheurlin champagne company and the NBPA. "...They're positioned to have a great summer. But it depends on luck. If they're lucky enough, it can become a great summer."

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How potential Knicks' package for Anthony Davis could compare to what Celtics, Lakers offer

LA expected to go hard at AD, while Celts want Kyrie to stay in Boston

By Ian Begley | May 15 | 4:26PM

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Only Pelicans executive VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin - and maybe a select few others close to him - knows exactly what New Orleans wants in a potential Anthony Davis trade.

Griffin reiterated on Tuesday that he's committed to trying to keep Davis in New Orleans. Landing the No. 1 overall pick in June gives him another potential selling point for Davis, but the smart money says he will still want to leave New Orleans. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported as much shortly after the Lottery.

So, assuming New Orleans has to deal Davis this summer, which teams can make the best offers? And how can the Knicks push themselves to the front of that group?

Before he underwent surgery, the expectation was that Dotson would be sidelined for roughly two months due to the shoulder ailment, per sources. Dotson is not expected to miss time next year and the belief is he'll be ready for the start of training camp, as The Athletic reports.

Head coach David Fizdale is leading the Knicks' rebuilding process, and his development of his young core was seen through Dotson among others this season. He gave him 27.5 minutes per game on the hardwood compared to 10.8 in his rookie season, and it paid off.

One of the biggest questions for the Knicks in the aftermath of Tuesday's NBA Draft Lottery? How does landing the No. 3 pick -- and New Orleans landing the top pick -- impact New York's chances of trading for Anthony Davis?

From a New Orleans perspective, Pelicans lead executive David Griffin seemed hopeful that the No. 1 pick would help entice Davis to stay in the Big Easy.

"It's the same situation," Griffin said. "We want to create an environment players are attracted to. We feel very strongly Anthony in totality will be attracted to what we can build and what we can offer. It's the same for all players. We're going to stand for something. We hope that repeats itself."

Duke freshman sensation Zion Williamson was on hand in Chicago for the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery. And just how he has always been since his first game at Duke, Williamson was all smiles when he joined ESPN's crew to talk about what team he might be going to once the Lottery was

When all the cards were shown to the masses, it was the New Orleans Pelicans that came out with the No. 1 pick in a wild drawing of teams. And it appears Williamson wasn't the biggest fan of that.

ESPN's Marc. J. Spears was first to say that the 6-foot-7 forward was "quickly whisked out of the room" following the Pelicans' winning the Lottery. A source told him that Williamson was "rooting to go to New York."

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Knicks get No. 3 pick in NBA Draft and will miss out on Zion Williamson

The Pelicans got the No. 1 pick and the Grizzlies will pick No. 2

By Ian Begley | May 15 | 12:04AM

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Knicks get the 3rd pick00:01:26

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley explains what the #3 pick means for the Knicks, and what it means in relation to a potential Anthony Davis trade.

The results of Tuesday's NBA Lottery weren't a disaster for the Knicks, but they certainly weren't ideal.

New York finished with the No. 3 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, earning the chance to select a top college player or to try to trade the pick for an established star.

R.J. Barrett, who could be on the board when the Knicks select on June 20, will meet with New York on Wednesday in Chicago ahead of the NBA Draft Combine, per SNY's Adam Zagoria.

Why the Knicks landing Kevin Durant is now more crucial than ever

May 6, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets in game four of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports (Troy Taormina)

Yes, the Knicks didn't land the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft. And while fans mourn their loss of Zion Williamson to the Pelicans -- the team that did land the first pick -- the gears shift to a very important free agency period for New York.

In all reality, free agency has always been the Knicks' top priority enter this offseason. The No. 1 pick would have been amazing, but filling those two max free agent slots are more important for the team's rebuiliding process.

And they have become even more crucial now.

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SEE IT: NYC back pages react to Knicks missing out on Zion Williamson

New York got the No. 3 pick but missed the big prize

May 14 | 10:38PM

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Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson reacts against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. (Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports)

New York could have fallen to No. 4 or No. 5. Getting the No. 3 pick is good. But the New York back pages treated it as a tragedy.

Click below to see...

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Twitter, fans react to Knicks getting No. 3 pick in NBA Draft

Zion Williamson will not be headed to NYC this summer

May 15 | 12:31AM

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Knicks fans react to Lottery00:00:59

Live through Knicks fans angst leading up to the draw and after when they found out they?d get the 3rd pick in the NBA Draft.

The Knicks' dreams of drafting ZionWilliamson went out the door on Tuesday when they drew the No. 3 pick during the NBA Draft Lottery.

Of course, it was just another chapter of heartbreak for Knicks fans and another opportunity for those on social media to rib Knicks fans for getting their hopes up.

Here are just some highlights to the reaction of the Knicks getting the third pick in the NBA Draft:

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WATCH: Knicks target Ja Morant on NBA goals

Morant could be a potential option for New York with No. 3 pick

May 14 | 10:45PM

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Ja Morant talks NBA future00:00:51

Ja Morant talks to reporters following the NBA Draft Lottery about the chip on his shoulder, and his plans to make an impact in the NBA

With the Knicks drawing the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday night, they will likely land either Murray State guard Ja Morant or Duke guard R.J. Barrett.

Morant was in attendance at the NBA Draft Lottery and spoke with reporters on how he plans to make an impact on whichever NBA team selects him.

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Patrick Ewing tells Knicks fans 'Be happy with what we have'

Knicks landed No. 3 pick as others fell outside Top 4

May 14 | 9:27PM

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Patrick Ewing on Knicks pick00:00:39

Knicks legend Patrick Ewing talks about representing the team at the NBA Draft Lottery, where the Knicks got the 3rd pick in the draft.

Knicks fans were let down on Tuesday night when it was revealed they will have the No. 3 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

So that means Duke freshman phenom Zion Williamson won't be wearing blue and orange next season. But that doesn't mean all hope is lost.

Patrick Ewing, who represented the Knicks on the dais in Chicago, thinks the fans should be happy with who team president Steve Mills and GM Scott Perry decide to choose come June 20.

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Here's how Knicks can trade for Anthony Davis and still fit two max free agents

Davis would certainly consider re-signing with the Knicks

By Ian Begley | May 14 | 3:34PM

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Would Knicks trade #1 pick?00:01:33

New York Knicks could possibly get the #1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. SNY's Ian Begley reports there is 'no consensus' they would trade it.

Anthony Davis would certainly consider re-signing with the Knicks if he felt he could be successful in New York, per SNY sources familiar with the matter. And here's how a Davis to New York trade could work:

Since the goal would likely be to pair Davis with two other stars, the Knicks would first sign their two max free agents in early July, using nearly all of their $70-plus million in cap space.

They would then have to send out roughly $21.6 million in salary to satisfy NBA trade rules in a swap for Davis, who is making $27 million in 2019.

If Knicks get No. 1 pick, their focus will shift to trading for Anthony Davis: Report

The Pelicans could have their eye on Kevin Knox as part of a deal

New York Knicks could possibly get the #1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. SNY's Ian Begley reports there is 'no consensus' they would trade it.

If the Knicks win the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday night -- and a chance to draft Zion Williamson -- they will shift their focus toward a potential trade for Pelicans star Anthony Davis, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic.

However, SNY's Ian Begley doesn't believe there is a consensus that the Knicks would include the No. 1 pick in a Davis deal.

Any trade for Davis could potentially involve the Knicks' top pick and more, and the Pelicans recently gathered intel on Kevin Knox, according to Begley.

Davis, 26, is under contract through the 2020-21 season, earning $27.1 million next season and $28.7 million in 2020-21.